depression

What is doxepin? What is doxepin used for? Doxepin belongs to a class of drugs called tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) that are used primarily to treat depression and anxiety. Other examples of TCAs include amitriptyline (Elavil), nortriptyline (Pamelor), desipramine (Norpramin), and several others. Depression is an all-pervasive sense of sadness and gloom. In some patients with …

MAOIs vs. SSRIs: What’s the difference? Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are types of antidepressants used to treat depression. MAOIs are an older class of antidepressants that are not used as much because of drug and food interactions. MAOIs also are used to treat Parkinson's disease. SSRIs are also used to treat anxiety. Examples of …

Alprazolam (Xanax) vs. sertraline (Zoloft): What’s the difference? Alprazolam and Sertraline are used to treat anxiety disorders and panic attacks. Sertraline is also used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Brand names for alprazolam include Xanax and Niravam. A brand name for sertraline is Zoloft. Alprazolam and sertraline belong to …

Alprazolam (Xanax) vs. temazepam (Restoril): What’s the difference? Alprazolam and temazepam are benzodiazepines used to treat anxiety disorders. Alprazolam is also used to treat panic attacks. Temazepam is also used to treat insomnia. Brand names for alprazolam include Xanax and Niravam. A brand name for temazepam is Restoril. Side effects of alprazolam and temazepam that are similar include drowsiness, fatigue, …

What is imipramine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Imipramine is an antidepressant medication of the tricyclic class. Medications in this class are often referred to as tricyclic antidepressants or TCAs. Depression is defined as an all-pervasive sense of sadness and gloom. In patients with depression, abnormal levels of chemicals in the brain (called neurotransmitters) may be the …

What is trimipramine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Trimipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) in the same family as amitriptyline (Elavil), imipramine (Tofranil), nortriptyline (Pamelor; Aventyl), and desipramine (Norpramin). Trimipramine works by raising the brain's level of norepinephrine (a neurotransmitter) to more normal levels. It also has anti-cholinergic actions (opposing the effects of the neurotransmitter, acetylcholine) which …

What is bupropion extended release, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Bupropion hydrochloride is an antidepressant medication that affects chemicals within the brain that nerves use to send messages to each other. (Forfivo XL is an extended release form of bupropion hydrochloride.) Chemical messengers are called neurotransmitters. Many experts believe that depression is caused by an imbalance among …

What is fluvoxamine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Fluvoxamine is a drug that is used for treating several psychiatric disorders. It is a member of the class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a class that also includes fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), and paroxetine (Paxil). Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors affect neurotransmitters, chemicals that nerves in …

What is paroxetine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Paroxetine is an oral drug that is used for treating depression. It is in a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a class that also contains fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa), and sertraline (Zoloft). Paroxetine affects neurotransmitters, the chemicals that nerves within the brain use to communicate …

What is mirtazapine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Mirtazapine is a tetracyclic antidepressant similar to maprotiline (Ludiomil) and tricyclic antidepressants, for example, desipramine (Norpramin). Depression is an all-pervasive sense of sadness and gloom. It is believed that in some patients with depression, abnormal levels of neurotransmitters (chemicals that nerves use to communicate with each other) may be …